Can griseofulvin tablets treat fungal nail infection?
Gray nail, generally known as tinea unguium, is a fungal infection of the nails. Griseofulvin tablets can be used to treat cases caused by fungal infections. However, griseofulvin is not recommended for patients with severe liver dysfunction, a history of griseofulvin allergy, or those currently receiving treatments that have serious drug interactions with griseofulvin. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek timely medical attention and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Griseofulvin tablets, as an antifungal medication, offer an oral treatment option for specific types of fungal nail infections, particularly suitable for cases where topical treatments are ineffective or impractical. Under professional medical evaluation, if it is confirmed that the patient’s tinea unguium is caused by fungal species sensitive to griseofulvin, and the patient has no contraindications such as severe liver damage, nor risks of adverse interactions with other medications, griseofulvin may be used as part of the treatment regimen under medical supervision.
For patients with severe liver dysfunction, a history of griseofulvin allergy, or those undergoing treatments with significant drug interactions with griseofulvin, using griseofulvin to treat gray nail may increase health risks and should therefore be avoided. For patients with mild to moderate tinea unguium, treatment strategies with higher safety profiles and fewer side effects—such as applying antifungal creams or solutions topically—are generally preferred. In these situations, griseofulvin is not the first-line treatment option.
In daily life, personal hygiene should be carefully maintained: regularly change and wash shoes and socks, and keep feet dry and clean to reduce the risk of developing nail fungus.